Online drafting and technical drawing shop

Architecture, design and engineering students, small practices, model makers, teachers and hobby draughtspeople.

You buy at trade prices and sell at a margin. Starter kits for students, plus repeat orders of pens, leads and paper, help build sales.

• Knowing drafting tools and what students need
• Basic website and product listing skills
• Organised stock and order handling
• Customer service

• Consumer rights rules for online sales, including returns and delivery terms, so check the current guidance
• Rules on selling blades such as scalpels and cutters, including age restrictions, so check before listing them
• VAT registration once turnover passes the threshold
• Strong competition from large online retailers, so a narrow specialist range and good advice matter
• Running from home may need permission from your landlord or mortgage lender if you store stock there

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on how much stock you hold, the website you build and whether suppliers send items direct. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on your range, your prices and how well you reach students and professionals. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit.

Check current consumer rights guidance on returns and delivery terms, and the rules on selling blades such as scalpels and cutters, including age restrictions. Also check VAT registration once turnover passes the threshold, and any landlord or mortgage lender permission for storing stock at home.